AN INSIGHT INTO THE CAREER MILESTONES OF BOLARINWA EMMANUEL

Bolarinwa Emmanuel is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and a passionate media practitioner, with over 11 years of expertise in the media and entertainment industry, encompassing roles as a TV & film director, art director, production designer, journalist, content creator, digital marketer, and event creative strategist.

Bolarinwa Emmanuel's ultimate career goal is to some day rank among the best filmmakers in Africa and to produce a geographical documentary film in space. He is passionate about telling believable African stories with a high level of realism using his signature supreme Africano storytelling style.  

He currently serves as the chief content developer and creative director at Santab Productions Ltd, a fast rising media content production and distribution company based in Lagos Nigeria which he founded on 7th April, 2017.

He has succeeded in growing the company's client base from just catering to the marketing and advertising aspirations of notable indigenous brands spread across diverse sectors to consulting for top multinational brands especially in the United Kingdom and USA.

MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR

- In 2010: Award of the most resourceful Nigerian youth in South West geopolitical zone.

- In 2010: Award of the most resourceful member of the Society of Fisheries and Wildlife Students (SOFAWSITES- FUTA Chapter).

- In 2011: Finalist at the maiden edition of YouWIN business plan competition. 

- In 2012: Award of Exemplary performance as the Corp Liaison Officer, Ovia South West LGA, Edo State. 

- From 2013 - 2015: Co-directed the award-winning EMERALD drama series (seasons 1-3). Winner of the best TV program (drama category) at the 2013 Nigerian Broadcasters' Merit Award.

- From 2015 - 2017: Content Director & floor manager for the award-winning COWBELLPEDIA Mathematics TV Quiz Show, a JustMedia Production showcased on both cable and terrestrial TV channels.

- In 2015: Directed the critically acclaimed THIRTYMINUTES drama series (seasons 1), a Sevenseries Production, broadcast on DSTV channels (Africamagic Show & Urban).

- In 2016: Directed the exciting SWING drama series (seasons 1 & 2), a Sevenseries Production.

- From 2017- 2018: Directed the highly intriguing TOUSLED drama series (seasons 1 & 2), a Sevenseries Production.

In 2016: Content Director for the viewers favourite ONGACIOUS TV Show, a JustMedia Production showcased on both Cable and terrestrial TV channels.

- From 2017 - 2019: Formatted, Produced and Directed TUMA Quiz Show sponsored by the management of The Ambassadors Schools, Ota Ogun State (Seasons 1- 3). A Santab Production showcased online (YouTube channel and Social Media Platforms).

- In 2017: He produced and directed MYMEDICALBANK brand Introduction video.

- From 2018 - 2019: Content Director for the exciting STARDOM NIGERIA reality TV show (Season 1), a Notes Inc Media Production.

- In 2019: Directed SELFLESS SERVICE Short Film, sponsored by the management of The Ambassadors Schools Ota Ogun State and showcased via YouTube channel and Social Media Platforms.

- In 2019: He produced and directed MYMEDICALBANK TV Commercial.

- In 2020: He produced Basorun Adekanbi Somoye's Memorial Fundraising Video for the Descendants of Basorun Somoye of EGBALAND

- In 2021: Production Designer for the award-winning DILEMMA Short Film at Ebonylife Creative Academy Award.

- In 2021: Props Master for the award-winning IFELOJU Short Film at Ebonylife Creative Academy Award.

- In 2021: Set Designer for SELF Short Film, a project of Directing Unit at Ebonylife Creative Academy Award.

- In 2021: Content Creator for INTIMATELY MINE'S Lingerie Promotional contents. 

- In 2022: Content Creator for CIS Academy TV Commercial. 

- In 2022: Content Creator for Aims Apartment TV Commercial. 

- In 2022: Content Creator for McPherson University TVC & Introduction Video. Just to mention but a few.

- In 2022: He won the award of Entrepreneur of the year (media and entertainment) at the Ekocity Business Conference courtesy Ekocity Polytechnic Students.

- In 2022: He was officially nominated for the award of Young Entrepreneur of the year at The Entrepreneur Africa Award.

In 2022: He was nominated for 3 international honourary doctorate degrees at the: 

+ Commonwealth University of Business, Arts and Technology, London, United Kingdom (Leadership and Management).

+ Maverick Business Academy, London, United Kingdom (Leadership and Strategic management).

+ Uzecta University, Mexico (Leadership and Strategic management).

- In 2023: He is a recipient for the award of Best Entertainment Entrepreneur of the year at the Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Awards (LAYEAWARDS)

- In 2023: He is a recipient of Tony Elumelu Storytellers Grant courtesy Africa No Filter designed to highlight Entrepreneurship myths and change the stereotypical narratives about Africa.

- In 2023: He became a fellow member of the Film for Impact Foundation (Northern Nigeria) organised by Film for Impact Foundation and supported by the US Embassy.

- In 2023: He became a member of the reputable ForbesBLK Community.

In 2023: He formatted, produced and directed an exciting culinary show titled "Debbie's Kitchen Delight Show" currently being showcased every week on YouTube channel (@CHEFDEBSTV).

In 2023: He produced an exciting docu-drama film titled; "BIRTH OF SANTAB" based on his entrepreneurial journey. This project was sponsored by Africa No Filter, Heirs Life and Heirs Insurance.

In 2023: He formatted, produced and directed the Jendol Annual Debate Championship (Season 1) sponsored by Jendol Superstores and endorsed by Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

In 2024: He is a recipient of Nigeria's Emerging Leaders Award courtesy West Africa Leadership and Empowerment Centre.

Bolarinwa Emmanuel has successfully directed 10 TV drama series, 5 Game Shows, 2 Culinary shows and he has produced and directed fifty (51) Documentary films (short and feature length), sixteen (17) TV commercial and four (4) radio jingles so far.

FOR BOOKING AND APPOINTMENT

Email: santabproductionsltd@gmail.com.

Instagram: @santa_bolero & @santab_tv_

Facebook: @Santab TV Production 

MY EXPERIENCE AT EBONYLIFE CREATIVE ACADEMY

At Ebonylife Creative Academy, seasoned industry professionals have empowered me with the practical knowledge and skillset required to function as a professional Production Designer and Art Director for films and TV.

During the course of the training I've learnt how to create mood boards, floor plans and story boards for films. I've also learnt about the unique roles of a Production Designer/ Art Director in film and TV, the essential elements of design, the importance of colour and colour palettes in films, how to achieve different SFX and food styling in films, one & two points perspective drawings, painting of different shapes & patterns, Production Design for diverse genres of films, the visual trilogy in film production, budgeting and reconciliation etc.

I was opportune to work as the Production Designer of an Award-winning short film titled; "DILEMMA" as my student's Project. This role gave me the opportunity to work in sync with the Director, Cinematographer, the producer and the entire production crew.

I led the Art Direction crew in developing all the Pre-production framework for the Art department from breaking down the script, to designing the mood boards that outlined the look & feel of the film, colour palette, set design, lighting, costume design, props, character design etc.

I also participated in some other intriguing productions during my 3months training among which are: - IFELOJU Short Film: as the Props Master.

SELF Short Film: as the Set Designer.

I feel privileged to be one of the pioneer set of Art Direction for Film and TV at Ebonylife Creative Academy because it was indeed a game changing and career elevating experience for me.

My ultimate goal still remains to some day rank among the top 3 film makers in Africa and I'm still 100% committed to achieving the goal.

My profound gratitude goes to God Almighty the giver of all good things and my beautiful wife Mrs. Hossana Bolarinwa for her love and support throughout the training period.

        Mrs. Hossana Bolarinwa

My appreciation also goes to Ms. Wavinya Ngei (HOD of Production Design Unit) for her tutelage and support.

                            Ms. Wavinya Ngei

I'm eternally grateful to Mo Abudu (CEO of Ebonylife Creative Academy & Studio), the Faculty of Ebonylife Creative Academy and Lagos state government via LACI and Ministry of culture and Tourism for selecting me for this all expense paid training valued at $6,000.  

Bolarinwa Idowu Emmanuel (a.k.a Santa Bolero) says Adupe, Daalu,Nagode.🙏

IG: @Santa_bolero

#ebonylifecreativeacademygraduation2021 #artdirection #productiondesigner #filmmaker